Sunday 10th
I arrived in Malaga on Sunday 10th landing around 10 pm.
I checked into an apartment midway between the centre and the beach area.
I arrived in Malaga on Sunday 10th landing around 10 pm.
I checked into an apartment midway between the centre and the beach area.
Monday 11th
I first meet up with the staff at European Era in Malaga at 9 am.
I then proceeded to the Hotel where we met for the CPD.
It was great to meet teachers from a number of PLC colleges, Drogheda, Dundalk and Portlaoise.
As we had prepared in advance, we had our detailed information packs setting out the schedule.
Our first morning session of CPD ,was an introduction to the work of Edward DE Bono, a renowned psychologist. We were shown a number of videos concerning the use of De Bono’s philosophy.
His contribution is in the field of lateral thinking. There was an exploration of the basic principles of De Bono’s work as it related to education. Working in groups of 4, we broke the ice and made cross- college links.
The second session concerned Mindfulness.
This topic was explored through breathing exercises and gentle movement. The presenter was a practising osteopathic and a yoga instructor. Given the anxiety that all staff suffered in the pandemic this was a useful reminder of the need for personal care, both mental and physical. He introduced the use of scientific techniques to counter stress. I found the session enjoyable and educational.. All participants embraced the moment and there was a feeling of calmness and solidarity.
I first meet up with the staff at European Era in Malaga at 9 am.
I then proceeded to the Hotel where we met for the CPD.
It was great to meet teachers from a number of PLC colleges, Drogheda, Dundalk and Portlaoise.
As we had prepared in advance, we had our detailed information packs setting out the schedule.
Our first morning session of CPD ,was an introduction to the work of Edward DE Bono, a renowned psychologist. We were shown a number of videos concerning the use of De Bono’s philosophy.
His contribution is in the field of lateral thinking. There was an exploration of the basic principles of De Bono’s work as it related to education. Working in groups of 4, we broke the ice and made cross- college links.
The second session concerned Mindfulness.
This topic was explored through breathing exercises and gentle movement. The presenter was a practising osteopathic and a yoga instructor. Given the anxiety that all staff suffered in the pandemic this was a useful reminder of the need for personal care, both mental and physical. He introduced the use of scientific techniques to counter stress. I found the session enjoyable and educational.. All participants embraced the moment and there was a feeling of calmness and solidarity.
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Tuesday 13th
I spent the day exploring some of the historical sights of the city such as the Picasso Museum, the ancient Roman theatre and the cathedral. I walked up the steep hill to the Alcazaba fortress in Malaga. This gave me an insight into the Moorish history of Malaga.The history of the city and the region emphasises the links between European cultures as well as Arabic / North African culture. |
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I was joined by a number of colleagues in this exploration of the city. In the evening I joined colleagues from other colleges on an enjoyable catamaran boat trip around Malaga harbour and port.
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Wednesday 14th
We attended a CPD session on emotional intelligence issues. Through discussion and role play we examined how to solve disputes from suggested scenarios that we acted out. This encouraged us to see issues from various points of view and seek a ”win win” solution. I attended a Flamenco night in Malaga with staff from a number of colleges. I was greatly impressed by the authenticity and beauty of this cultural event involving traditional flamenco singing, dance and music to an amazing standard. Thursday 15th I travelled to the historical village of Frigiliana with staff from several colleges. It's known for its Moorish old quarter and narrow streets decorated with ceramic mosaics. Exhibits at the Archaeological Museum include Phoenician pottery. the small costal town Nerva. |
Again this allowed us to explore Andalusian culture and history. In the afternoon we travelled the short distance to Nerja. This is a sea side town with many small coves and beaches. I enjoyed swimming there.
Unfortunately, on return to Malaga I felt unwell and I tested positive for covid 19.
I had to curtail my activities thereafter and I stayed on in Malaga in isolation to Tuesday 19th of the following week.
Unfortunately, on return to Malaga I felt unwell and I tested positive for covid 19.
I had to curtail my activities thereafter and I stayed on in Malaga in isolation to Tuesday 19th of the following week.
Reflection
During the week the many discussions with staff from the various colleges allowed me to reflect on our approach to managing various common issues that arise in our FET sector.
I saw scope for some changes in our approach in BIFE to issues like managing finance and developing new courses.
The wellness session encouraged me to consider how we could better support staff with stressful situations. Being in a cosmopolitan city like Malaga we were constantly reminded of the need to be inclusive of people of different backgrounds and cultures in our planning.
During the week the many discussions with staff from the various colleges allowed me to reflect on our approach to managing various common issues that arise in our FET sector.
I saw scope for some changes in our approach in BIFE to issues like managing finance and developing new courses.
The wellness session encouraged me to consider how we could better support staff with stressful situations. Being in a cosmopolitan city like Malaga we were constantly reminded of the need to be inclusive of people of different backgrounds and cultures in our planning.